Slideshow image

"Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered."

~ Psalm 32:1

 

This psalm is a summary description of the experience, condition and responsibility of a believer.  My heart/mind connects this psalm with Psalm 51.  David here in Psalm 32 speaks more broadly and generally about his iniquity, but in Psalm 51 he speaks of a very specific sin (his adultery with Bathsheba,  his murder of Uriah, and his extended cover-up).  In Psalm 32 David speaks of his initial coming to God for salvation, Psalm 51 speaks of his coming to God during an occasion of sin after being saved.  You can explore a comparison of these two psalms more fully on your own.  Let me walk you through Psalm 32 in more detail.

Our (initial) condition:  Once, we were all heavy laden under our sin (v.4), trying to keep silent and hidden (v.3), but in all actuality, wasting away (v.3).  We were dried up, without strength and groaning all day long (v.3-4).  We were burdened with the self-imposed task of deceiving ourselves and trying to deceive others of our fallen sinful condition (v.2).  An impossible task, full of sorrows (v.10).

Our experience:  Then by the grace of Christ, we received forgiveness (v.1,5) and new life, acknowledging and confessing our sin (v.5). 

Our (current and final) condition:  Now we are blessed (v.1-2), loved (v.10) delivered and preserved (v.7).  God’s forgiveness of our sin debt through the person and work of his Son Jesus Christ is what produces godliness, joy and righteousness in us.  None of which we had before salvation, nor ever could.  God’s grace in Christ covers our sin (v.1), counts no iniquity against us (v.2), creates a spirit in which there is no deceit (v.2), forgives us (v.1,5), surrounds us with steadfast love (v.10), produces godliness (v.6), joy and uprightness (v.11).

Our responsibility:  So, our responsibility is to trust in the LORD (v.10), pray to him while he may be found (v.6), instruct/teach/counsel others (v.8), being glad in the LORD, rejoicing and shouting for joy (v.11).  We must revel in our new condition of being blessed (v.1-2), loved (v.10), godly (v.6), glad, joyful and righteous (v.11).  We must be teachable, gaining understanding, not being willful, wayward and stubborn like a mule (v.9).  This includes continual confession and repentance (v.5, Ps.51).

Is this you?  If so, rejoice and be glad!  Grow in God’s grace!  If not, today you can be free of your burden, sorrow and deceit.  Come to Jesus, his yoke is easy and his burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).